How Cryptoart Works

Cryptoart is like a piggy bank. Each art piece physically stores Bitcoin. Each art piece also includes an easy 3-step guide to understanding Bitcoin.

Confused about Bitcoin?

Don’t worry. Cryptoart includes a novel amount of digital currency (around a $1 depending on exchange rates) for free! There is no need to do anything — simply enjoy your art piece and know your Bitcoin is safely stored inside. Later, you can retrieve the digital currency without damaging the art piece or even add more. The Bitcoin will never expire, and it makes a unique gift for anyone interested in technology, finance, Bitcoin or other digital currencies.

Why store digital currency in art?

Aside from being cool and interesting, it's actually a very safe way to store bitcoin. The Bitcoin protocol is extremely secure, but if your computer (or phone) gets hacked, your bitcoin can be stolen. For this reason, it's safest to store unused bitcoin offline. This process is called "cold storage." Cryptoart merges bitcoin cold storage with art, thus giving you a safe way to secure and visually enjoy bitcoin. The result is a new form of art-- one that not only derives value from aesthetics and scarcity, but from the value it literally holds.

The Art

Cryptoart comes in three sizes, all of which are designed to fit ready-made frames. The smallest size (certificates), can also be kept in a presentation book. If you are on a budget, look for local frames or store Cryptoart in a book. If you want something unique in solid hard wood, each piece has a suggested framing option. You can also buy an unframed piece and pair it with a different frame.

The Process

The art found here represents thousands of hours spent by our artists. Subject matter is researched, and each work is executed with the hope of adding to the narrative of the digital currency revolution.

Cryptoart is published with archival inks on museum quality paper. Specifically, we use 12-color Giclée printers and thick Hahnemühle paper. Our certificates are on Photo Rag. This feels like a semi-gloss photo on one side and a watercolor on the back. The larger prints are on a Hahnemühle German Etching watercolor paper. All of our pieces are hand-created, produced as numbered limited editions, and include a certificate of authenticity.

How does it work?

Here's the techie speak for the technically savvy. Each piece is hand-assembled with a QR code on the front, and a "private key" under a security sticker on the back. To send money to the art piece, scan the QR code on the front with any mobile Bitcoin wallet. The QR code on the front is your Bitcoin address and is only used to add money. To retrieve the currency, remove the sticker on the back and enter the private key (a long alphanumeric string of text) into a Bitcoin exchange or Bitcoin wallet. Advanced users can exchange the private key/QR code without damaging the art piece.

About Cryptoart

Cryptoart is created and distributed by Austin, TX based Cryptoart Publishers. Cryptoart helps people understand, enjoy, and collect digital currencies. Cryptoart has gained notable attention and an international collector base. Highlights include The Wall Street Journal, front page of the Houston Chronicle's business section, and a segment on RAI5 Italian television covering art and money. Cryptoart was used as a teaching aid in the Canadian senate hearings on cryptocurrency. Collectors include Charlie Lee, ShapeShift, and a piece even hangs in the home of Justin Trudeau.